Alborz:
Alborz province, with its unparalleled beauties and amazing and attractive nature, has become one of the most beautiful tourist provinces in the country in terms of natural phenomena. Various tribes and races have lived in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains in the past due to the favorable climate and its affluent rivers.
In the past, it was thought that the history of Alborz province dates back to 9,000 years ago, considering the ancient artifacts obtained from the Uzbaki area and Chegini Hill of Nazarabad, as well as Mardabad (or Mahdasht) and Hosseinabad Hills in Karaj. But now the archaeologists have announced that the history of this ancient area dates back to 40,000 to 50,000 years ago (the middle and new Paleolithic period) based on the recent archaeological studies on the rocky shelters of Sorhe.
Alborz Province is located in the western Alborz mountain range in an almost mountainous area and includes the cities of Karaj, Taleghan, Savojbolagh, Nazarabad, Eshtehard, and Fardis. The city of Karaj is also the capital of the province. The province is one of the most touristic provinces in terms of natural beauty such as spectacular springs and rivers, high waterfalls, high mountains, old trees, diverse vegetation, and animals. Also, the natural and historical landscapes of Karaj-Chalous road as “one of the most beautiful tourist roads in the world” are at the top of these beauties.
Karaj is the capital of Alborz province, the center of Karaj District, and one of the metropolises of Iran and is known as the fourth largest city in Iran. Karaj is a mountainous city located in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level. It is also the second city in Iran to have an urban train (Tehran-Karaj Hashtgerd metro) as well as 6 subway lines. Karaj is the fourth most populous city in Iran and the 22nd most populous metropolis in the Middle East. After Tehran, Karaj is the largest immigrant city in Iran, which is why it has been dubbed the “Little Iran.”
The Souvenirs and handicrafts:
Buying a souvenir is one of the most enjoyable parts of a trip, and it can keep the sweet memory of the trip alive for a while. But buying handicrafts keeps the memory of the journey alive forever. Apples, honey, and pottery are the most important souvenirs and handicrafts of Alborz.
Local and traditional dishes of Alborz province include Marjoo Khoresh (lentil stew of Taleghan), Haleem with Lamb and mutton, Yavan Ash, Torshi Ash, and Pileh baked beans.
Alborz province, also known as Little Iran, welcomes millions of Iranian and foreign tourists every year due to its geographical location. Despite its small size, this beautiful province is a collection of natural and tourist attractions. Chalous Road, Laleh Gachsar Garden in Asara, Amirkabir Dam or Karaj Dam (25 km from Karaj to Chalous Road), Dizin Karaj Ski Resort, Barghan Savojbolagh Village, Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Karaj, Morvarid Palace or Shams of Karaj, Soleimani Palace of Karaj, Gachsar Yakh-Morad Cave, Ahmadabad Castle (Dr. Mossadegh’s house) in Nazarabad, Jahan Nama Forest Park in Karaj, Atashgah village of Karaj, Taleghan beautiful dam and lake, waterfall and village of Orazan Taleghan, Shah Abbasi bridge in Karaj, Mehrshahr hill, Mesbah Karaj bath, Shahzadeh Hossein Savojbolagh are among the most important tourist sights of the province. Some of these places have been registered on the National Heritage List of Iran.
The Chalous Road:
The Karaj-Chalous road, also known as the 59th road, is one of the most beautiful dreamy roads in Iran and the world. The spectacular view of the beautiful nature of Alborz and the Karaj River, mountains, and tall green trees, can be seen on this road in every season of the year. Other tourist attractions are located along the road, including sports attractions such as the Dizin ski resort and Khor ski slope, and tourist villages such as the villages of Khor, Asara, Gachsar, and Varian. Cheshmeh Veleh, 70 km northeast of Karaj in the village of Valeh, Cheshmeh Gol Kileh in the north of Shahrestanak Palace in the mountains of Bashm Ahar and Haft Cheshmeh at the beginning of Chalous Road are among the medical springs of Karaj-Chalous Road.
Taleghan Dam and Lake:
Taleghan Dam and Lake is one of the beautiful and valuable places in Taleghan city, which has been built on the “Shahroud River” which originates from the mountains of Mazandaran. The lake behind the dam has had a major impact on creating breathtaking views, creating natural yet extraordinary views due to water storage. Also, other valuable effects of this dam can be considered as creating suitable climatic conditions and pristine nature in the region, which has helped to attract tourists from all over Iran and the world.
Dizin ski resort:
The Dizin Ski Resort is great for snow skiing in the cold and grass skiing in the summer. In addition to skiing, Dizin is also a good choice for mountain biking, archery, and kite riding. Dizin Jahangardi Hotel is designed for skiers, visitors, and tourists. The resort’s amenities include two hotels, 19 cottages, and five restaurants.
Shah Abbasi Caravanserai:
Shah Abbasi Caravanserai was built during the reign of Shah Suleiman, the Safavid king, and was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in 1977. This caravanserai is one of the most valuable buildings of the Safavid period. Located on the Silk Road, the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai in Karaj was used as a resting place for caravans. At the beginning of the Qajar period, this place was converted into a military fortress, and at the end of the period, it was turned into a school. Shah Abbasi Caravanserai in Karaj now includes sections such as the Museum of Handicrafts, a traditional restaurant, and a cafeteria.
Ahmadabad Castle (Dr. Mossadegh’s house):
Ahmadabad Castle is the name of a brick castle located in Ahmadabad village in the central part of Nazarabad city of Alborz. The castle is on the list of national monuments of Iran. Ahmadabad Mossadegh Castle has been the home of Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh for many years, the prime minister of Iran who lived in the castle for the last 10 years of his life, who was deported after the coup d’etat of 1332 and after spending three years in prison.
Morvarid Palace:
Morvarid Palace, also known as Shams Palace, is located in Mehrshahr, Karaj. At a cost of $ 1 million, the palace was designed and built by Wesley Peters and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The Pearl Palace, which has remained since the first Pahlavi era, was built in 1347 for the residence of Shams Pahlavi. With an area of 2,500 square meters, the design of the Pearl Palace is in the shape of an eagle ray containing a shell. Also, all the spaces of the palace under the roof are designed in the shape of snails. Golden Palace, Shams Special Office, Reception Hall, Cinema Hall, Billiards Hall, Pool, Fountains, Rare Bird Storage, and Bedrooms are the various parts of the palace.
